The Upper Elementary program at Montessori schools welcomes students ages nine through 12. In a traditional school, this would be grades four through six. If your student is preparing to enter the Upper Elementary school , he or she will be pleased to learn that the same cornerstone principles of Maria Montessori’s Method used during the earlier years will carry over to this more advanced program.

Pedagogy

The pedagogical methods used in the Upper Elementary school embrace the concepts of sequential learning, including the natural transition from hands-on learning activities to abstract concepts. Students continue to use Montessori learning materials. However, once they gain mastery of a concept, students can begin to use textbooks to supplement the learning process. Upper Elementary students continue to work individually in uninterrupted blocks of time, as well as in small groups.

Curriculum

Montessori education embraces a comprehensive approach to curricula. By the time a student enters the Upper Elementary school, he or she is a fluent reader who uses books as tools to open the doors to new worlds. Reading isn’t considered a separate subject at this point. Distinct subject areas in the curriculum include:

Language arts and grammar

Mathematics

Geometry

Social studies/history

Geography

Foreign language

Science, including nature studies like botany and zoology

Enrichment

Montessori schools pride themselves on offering a complete enrichment curriculum for students. Enrichment programs nurture the soul as well as stimulate the brain, and allow students to express themselves creatively. Some examples of enrichment programs include:

Outdoor gardening

Computer instruction

Musical education

Fine arts

Personal Development

Montessori education is unique in that it supports the healthy development of the whole child. It is tailored to support children at every stage of their natural development. From ages nine through 12, Montessori students are learning how to take bigger steps toward independence. They’re learning how to self-regulate their behaviors and emotions, how to grow close relationships with their peers, and how to think in abstract ways. The Montessori classroom supports the students’ development by allowing freedom of choice and movement within a well-structured classroom.

The Montessori School welcomes inquiries from parents who are interested in learning more about our dynamic school community. We accept students from six weeks of age through sixth grade. Questions about Montessori school enrollment can be directed to our office in North Dallas at (972) 985-8844 or in Allen at (972) 727-2800.

One of the many reasons why our students love coming to school is that the Montessori approach embraces a hands-on, sequential learning experience. This approach is carried through to our enrichment curriculum. At The Montessori School, students are encouraged to explore our fully equipped learning kitchen. Here, students put into practice their mathematics skills as they follow recipes, many of which include the use of ingredients grown right here in our outdoor garden by our students!

Cooking is also an opportunity for our elementary school students to see chemical reactions in action. Under the observant eye of a teacher, students are introduced to sequential concepts in cooking, while enjoying the benefits of sensory stimulation. And students aren’t the only ones who like our learning kitchen. Parents are always pleasantly surprised when their students become more adventurous eaters.

The Montessori School is a private preschool and elementary school serving families in Texas. To discuss our school enrollment procedures, you can call our campus in North Dallas at (972) 985-8844 or in Allen at (972) 727-2800.

Classrooms in Montessori schools are orderly, thoughtfully prepared environments with neatly arranged learning activities on shelves. Many parents like to replicate this approach in their own homes. Choose shelving units that are at the right height for your child to access by him- or herself. Every few months, you can remove learning materials your child has mastered, and add new materials.

You can see some examples of Montessori shelves when you watch the accompanying video. The shelves featured here were designed for a four-year-old child, and they include practical life and sorting activities.

The classrooms at The Montessori School are carefully prepared to support the natural learning process . You can request a tour of our elementary school in North Dallas at (972) 985-8844 or in Allen at (972) 727-2800.

Dr. Maria Montessori’s Method is, above all, one that nurtures graciousness and respectfulness for all. Students are expected to have respect for each other, for themselves, and for the teacher. The Method also has innovative thoughts on discipline. When parents first tour a Montessori school, they’re often amazed to see young students earnestly working with only gentle guidance from the teacher. No one shouts or interrupts others, and every student puts the learning materials in the appropriate place when finished with them. How do the teachers achieve this, and how can parents use these techniques at home?

Understanding Dr. Montessori’s Thoughts on Discipline

Dr. Montessori developed her Method by observing the way in which children grow, develop, and learn. Her philosophy was born of her observations, and because of this, her thoughts on discipline are naturally suited to the true way children grow. Dr. Montessori realized that blind obedience isn’t true obedience because the child isn’t willingly complying. First, children must learn the differences between right and wrong. Then, they can work on developing the willpower to make the right choices. Until a child is given the freedom to make choices within a carefully structured environment , he or she cannot practice inner discipline.

Developing a Structured Environment

It takes a great deal of persistence and patience on behalf of parents and teachers to nurture a child’s self-discipline. It starts with a carefully structured environment that only gives a child as much freedom as he or she can handle. In other words, the environment itself teaches the child how to make appropriate decisions.

Redirecting Troublesome Behavior

In a Montessori school, teachers redirect or refocus a child’s energy when he or she has trouble making an appropriate choice. Parents can also use this technique at home. The process of redirecting non-peaceful behavior starts with an unapologetic reminder of the rules, followed by gentle guidance that helps the child make the right choice.

The teachers at The Montessori School look forward to welcoming new students and their parents to our close-knit, supportive learning community. We understand that you’ll have lots of questions for us about Montessori education. Please take your time exploring the information on our website, and when you’re ready to request a tour of our Montessori school, call us in North Dallas at (972) 985-8844 or in Allen at (972) 727-2800.